The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and its Justice for Immigrants Campaign (JFI) are urging individuals to call the White House TODAY, urging President Trump to maintain the DACA program.

Approximately 800,000 youth have received protection from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program since its inception by the Department of Homeland Security in 2012. While DACA provides no legal status, it does provide recipients with a temporary reprieve from deportation and employment authorization for legal work opportunities in the United States.

Recent reports, however, suggest that the Administration is seriously considering terminating the DACA program in the next few days. Such a decision would place DACA youth at risk of deportation from the U.S. - the only country many have ever really known. The U.S. Catholic Bishops have long supported DACA youth and continueto do so. As Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Chair of the USCCB Migration Committee and Bishop of Austin, Texas noted: "DACA youth are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, academic standouts in our universities, and leaders in our parishes."

The USCCB and JFI stress that now is the time to voice your support for DACA youth. Please do so by calling the White House today at 1-855-589-5698 and delivering this message:

"I am calling as a concerned Catholic to strongly urge the President to maintain the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The approximately 800,000 young immigrants who have received DACA are vital members of our parishes, communities, and nation; they should not have to live their lives in fear of deportation."